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7 Reasons to Do Community Service – How Community Service Can Help Your Success and Happiness

When choosing for a Childcare Courses make sure the school is nationally accredited. We all know that doing community service is a ‘good’ thing to do, but do you know why? And it’s not just that you’re helping the underprivileged or the environment – there are some real tangible benefits from helping others. This article discusses 7 of them.

1. Karma
“What goes around, comes around”, “The Boomerang effect”, “Karma” – what ever you want to call it, there is mounting evidence that when you do good things, good things happen to you. The Law of Attraction explains it as attracting good by doing good, and by maintaining the flow of good positive energy.

But more logically, if you are doing good things for your community, then you’re focusing on positive attributes of yourself and others and this has real spin-offs in the form of a positive outlook on the rest of your life.

2. Perspective and Passion
I’ve learnt from personal experience, when you’re helping a young family pull together their lives after losing everything in a cyclone – you begin to understand what really matters. Community service of all kinds gives you this grounding perspective.

But from that grounding perspective comes passion. Passion to help others in the same situation and passion to protect your family and community from the same thing. And passion is such a wonderful and motivating force – you can achieve anything with passion!

3. Networking
Volunteer organizations attract people from a wide range of backgrounds and professions – students, unemployed, retirees, trades people, professionals and business executives – so volunteer organizations give you a fantastic opportunity to network!

And you never know what opportunities you’ll encounter with this new network of contacts. We managed to renovate our house for half the cost through the contacts we’ve met in our community work! Not to mention, that’s where I met my lovely partner!

4. Understanding People
Inevitably, community work involves working with other people – whether it’s other community workers or the people you’re helping. So the ability to communicate and understand these people is paramount for your own sanity, and of course your effectiveness.

And because the people in volunteer organizations come from a diverse background, you get to develop communication skills with a wide range of personalities. You can’t pay for emotional intelligence training like this!

5. Learn New Skills
As community work actually involves doing something, you will gain skills in the particular ‘something’ of the organization you’ve joined. Whether it’s tree planting, first aid and rescue skills, counseling, organizing, planning or even blanket knitting – you WILL learn something new.

And some skills such as first aid and planning and organizational skills you’ll find helpful in other aspects of your life too!

6. Contribution to the greater good
Don’t forget the big warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you know you’ve made a contribution – whether it’s the environment or humanitarian causes, it all contributes to the greater good.

7. Your legacy
How do you want to be remembered? What do you want to see written on your tombstone or in your obituary?

We all want to be remembered as something special – a loving partner and parent, a successful career, a passion. But a community minded spirit is the BEST legacy.

So how can YOU help?

Well you can start by telling people about how you or someone you know contribute to the community or environment – even if this contribution seems small – and inspire others to do the same. Or read about what other people are doing and give them a boost by posting a supportive comment. Just check out http://www.achieve-goal-setting-success.com/community-contribution.html to share your story or post a comment about someone else’s experience.

And of course, you can get more involved with your community or an environmental cause – you’ll marvel at the difference just one person, YOU, can make. Here are some ideas to get started…

For more information, check out http://www.achieve-goal-setting-success.com – this site gives you all the FREE tools and advice for achieving your own personal success through goal setting. There’s even a tutorial style workbook to guide you through the surprisingly simple process of goal setting.

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Ugg Boots – More Than Just a Name

Origin

From farmers, to aviator pilots, to surfers and the most fashion conscious of international celebrities, ‘ugg boots’ have a distinct and colourful history that has seen them become a ‘household essential’ in all parts of the world. The best place to buy ugg boots online are those who sell reliable products.

This handcrafted sheepskin boot is predominantly known worldwide as an ‘ugg boot’, however since its inception in Australia over 200 years ago, it has also been referred to as an ‘ug, ugh and fug’ boot. All of these names are merely a generic term for Australian-made sheepskin boots, rather than a brand name. The word ‘ug’ actually means ugly in the Australian dictionary, although most people would claim they are more of an item of beauty.

The woollen inner lining of an ugg boot naturally warms the feet and allows circulation to keep away moisture, which also helps resist unwanted odours. The boots are designed to be worn without socks and effectively insulate the feet in cold weather and cool them during warmer conditions.

Whilst the reasoning behind their name has remained much of a mystery, their uses and benefits have proved invaluable and inspirational for a variety of people over the years.

Initial discovery of Ugg boots

During the 19th century, sheep farming became a major industry in Australia. Farmers and ranchers utilised every part of the sheep, making bulky, well-lined ugg boots to keep their feet warm and dry, as well as clothing and various other household items.

Farmers across Australia steadily grew accustomed to wearing ugg boots on a daily basis, however it wasn’t until World War I and II that the true value of natural fibre ugg boots was properly put to test. Aviator pilots used ‘fug’ boots (flying ugs) to keep their feet loose, comfortable and at a constant warm temperature in non-pressurized planes at high altitudes.

During the 1960’s ugg boots really unleashed their fashionable influence on society and much of this was attributed to a growing worldwide surfing phenomenon. Australian surfers decided it was extremely cosy and warm to jump out of the surf and into a pair of sheepskin boots.

The popularity of ugg boots rapidly spread throughout Australia. During the winter months, surfers replaced their boards with skis and poles and started wearing their ugg boots in ski resorts on Australia’s Snowy Mountains. At the time, ugg boots were also a hit with competitive swimmers.

Home of the world’s finest wool

Geelong-based company Jacksons Tannery, a hide trading and tanning specialist, were approached by surfers from along the Victorian Coast in the 1970’s, who wanted to use their sheepskin to make their own warm, post surfing ugg boots.

At the time, the Geelong area was regarded as the home to the world’s finest wool. It is also the home of EMU Australia, one of the longest standing Australian ugg boot manufacturers. The surfer’s original design was very basic – essentially two pieces of sheepskin in the shape of a boot, joined together down the centre-front and back with a soft sole attached to the bottom. There were no hard soles back then – they were practically a glorified sock!

Jacksons Tannery quickly recognised the need to improve the quality and performance of the surfer’s basic sheepskin design, so they began subcontracting their sheepskin to shoe makers.

Ugg boots – Trademark controversy

In 1971, Australian Shane Stedman recognised the potential in sheepskin boots and registered ‘ugh boot’ with the Australian Trade Mark Registry. It lapsed and decades later it ended up in the hands of US company Deckers Outdoor Corporation, along with the other various spellings.

Deckers eventually tried to restrict all Australian sheepskin boot companies from using the use of the terms Ugh, Ug and Ugg based on the grounds of litigation and trademark ownership, but restrictions on the use of these terms were removed from the Australian Trade Mark register in 2006, allowing all sellers to use the terms.

Ugg boots go global

In 1978, Australian surfer Brian Smith took a dozen pairs of ugg boots to the US. Several Californian surfers took to their benefits and almost immediately Smith was importing more pairs from Australia. The following year Smith formed a partnership with Jacksons to supply boots to the US under the registered ‘UGG’ brand. In 1993 UGG Australia was sold to Deckers.

EMU launched

EMU Australia was launched in 1994 by employees from Jacksons and due to the huge demand for ugg boots in the US, they quickly appointed a distributor in Boulder, Colorado.

Suddenly, EMU’s mission to become the world’s best sheepskin footwear company was fast becoming reality. With over 40 distributors and 10,000 retailers, EMU is now the leading footwear brand in Australia and the fastest growing sheepskin footwear brand in the world.

Whilst stilettos, platforms and wedges are must-haves to pump up that strut in our modern society, ugg boots have been making their way off the shelves for decades, not for their ‘chic visage’ but for their ultimate features – comfort and warmth. Just as they have done for over 200 years.

With new styles available all year round, come and see the Natureshop for current and upto date styles of various ugg boots for men and women.

Article by

Dave Manville

The Natureshop, New Zealand

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Reaching Decisions Quickly Can Be A Key To Success

“Those who reach decisions promptly and definitely know what they want and generally get it. The leaders in every walk of life decide quickly and firmly. This is the major reason why they are leaders.” Napoleon Hill

If it’s your first time doing ski Canada, expect quieter slopes and better value accommodation than you’re used to in Europe.

As a young man, Napoleon Hill interviewed Andrew Carnegie, who proposed an interesting assignment. He said, “I’d like you to interview 500 of the world’s wealthiest men and discover how they achieved their riches.” Hill was probably thinking, “Wow, that’s pretty awesome.” Then Carnegie then added two additional caveats: he felt that this assignment was going to take Napoleon at least twenty years to accomplish this task and he wasn’t going to pay him a dime to do it.

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Napoleon had a choice – he could stay comfortable where he was, pursuing his career in journalism and supporting his wife and family in a traditional way, or he could potentially change the world.

What Napoleon didn’t know was that Carnegie had a stopwatch beneath the desk set for sixty seconds, after which time the offer was off the table. Carnegie believed that successful people were able to make decisions quickly and change them slowly. Without hesitation, Hill said, “Yes,” to his offer and the rest is history. For the next twenty years, Napoleon connected with the world’s most powerful and wealthy men. He also interviewed a lot of failures in the process. In his research, Hill ultimately discovered thirteen keys to success, revealing the foundation of the success principles we espouse today. A  charity donation tax deduction is being applied to people who donated a money to a charitable institution.

Can you imagine if Napoleon called his friends to tell them about the deal? “Hey, Andrew Carnegie made me this great offer. He’s going to introduce me to a bunch of millionaires and I get to interview them for the next twenty years or so. He’s not even going to pay me to do it.”

What do you think his friends would have said? “Are you CRAZY? What do you mean he’s not going to pay you? Do you know how much money that man has? You’d have to be an idiot to take him up on that kind of offer.”

Fortunately, Napoleon listened to his gut. Think about how you make your decisions. Do you waffle and rely on the opinions of others? Or are you committed to your cause and go with your intuition? It makes a difference. When we take the time to go into the silence and listen to our inner guidance, we receive the exact information when we need it. The next step is to take action and follow your instincts. I know it’s happened to me more than once that I ignored “a feeling” and lived to regret it. On the other hand, when I pay attention, I get rewarded.

When my medical sales position was eliminated, the thought never crossed my mind to jump back into the competitive world of sales. I knew that I was given an opportunity to pursue my own dreams and goals that I would not have had if I was still working 60-80 hours per week. Even though I was afraid; even when I was facing financial struggles from not having a consistent income; even with the incredible highs and lows of entrepreneurship, I never doubted my decision. More than three years later, I am still going strong – loving life and making a difference. Finding for a good hens venues Melbourne is not that easy because there are things to consider.

Intuition rules – pay attention to yours today.

Lisa Ryan is the Founder of Grategy. She is an employee engagement and business keynote speaker, gratitude expert, and author of 6 books including “The Upside of Down Times: Discovering the Power of Gratitude.” She co-stars in two documentaries: “The Keeper of the Keys” with Jack Canfield and “The Gratitude Experiment.”

Learn more about Lisa Ryan at http://www.grategy.com

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Data-Driven Dialogue: Leveraging Analytics for Effective Strategic Communications

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, strategic communications professionals are faced with the daunting task of navigating a vast sea of information to effectively convey messages to their target audiences. With the advent of big data and advanced analytics, organizations now have access to unprecedented insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. Leveraging this wealth of data can not only enhance the effectiveness of strategic communications but also drive meaningful engagement and foster stronger relationships with stakeholders.

Strategic communications, at its core, is about crafting and delivering messages that resonate with the intended audience. Whether it’s promoting a brand, advocating for a cause, or managing a crisis, the ability to communicate effectively is paramount. However, in today’s noisy digital environment, simply broadcasting messages is no longer sufficient. Organizations must adopt a more nuanced approach, one that is informed by data and driven by insights.

Enter data-driven dialogue—a methodology that harnesses the power of analytics to inform and optimize strategic communications efforts. By leveraging data analytics tools and techniques, organizations can gain a deeper understanding of their target audience, identify emerging trends, and measure the impact of their communications initiatives. This data-driven approach not only enables organizations to tailor their messages to specific audience segments but also allows for real-time adjustments based on feedback and performance metrics.

At the heart of data-driven dialogue is the concept of actionable insights. Rather than relying on intuition or guesswork, strategic communications professionals can use data analytics to inform every stage of the communication process—from message development to distribution and evaluation. By analyzing key metrics such as audience demographics, engagement levels, and sentiment analysis, organizations can fine-tune their communication strategies for maximum impact.

One area where data-driven dialogue has proven particularly effective is in content optimization. By analyzing the performance of various types of content across different channels, organizations can identify which messages resonate most with their audience and adjust their content strategy accordingly. For example, if a certain topic or format consistently receives high levels of engagement, organizations can allocate more resources to producing similar content in the future.

Furthermore, data-driven dialogue can help organizations identify emerging trends and anticipate shifts in consumer behavior. By monitoring social media conversations, online forums, and other digital channels, organizations can stay ahead of the curve and adapt their communication strategies accordingly. This proactive approach not only allows organizations to capitalize on emerging opportunities but also helps them mitigate potential risks and crises before they escalate.

In addition to optimizing content and anticipating trends, data-driven dialogue can also enhance the effectiveness of targeted messaging. By segmenting audiences based on demographic, psychographic, and behavioral factors, organizations can tailor their messages to resonate with specific audience segments. For example, a marketing campaign aimed at millennials may employ different messaging strategies than one targeting baby boomers. By leveraging data analytics, organizations can ensure that their messages are not only relevant but also impactful.

Moreover, data-driven dialogue can help organizations measure the effectiveness of their communication efforts in real-time. By tracking key performance indicators such as reach, engagement, and conversion rates, organizations can gauge the success of their campaigns and make data-driven adjustments as needed. This iterative approach allows organizations to continuously optimize their communication strategies for maximum effectiveness.

In conclusion, data-driven dialogue represents a paradigm shift in strategic communications—one that is informed by data, driven by insights, and optimized for impact. By leveraging analytics to inform every stage of the communication process, organizations can craft more targeted messages, anticipate trends, and measure the effectiveness of their efforts in real-time. In today’s fast-paced digital environment, data-driven dialogue is not just a competitive advantage—it’s a strategic imperative. More info about strategic communications for PR agency.

Exploring the Practical Benefits of Customized Splashbacks in Home Design

In the realm of contemporary home design, every detail matters. From the layout of furniture to the selection of decor elements, homeowners strive to create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Among the myriad choices available, customized splashbacks stand out as a versatile and practical addition to kitchens and bathrooms. In this article, we delve into the practical benefits of customized splashbacks and explore how they can enhance the overall design of residential interiors.

Customized splashbacks offer homeowners the opportunity to personalize their living spaces according to their unique tastes and preferences. Whether it’s a sleek, modern kitchen or a cozy, rustic bathroom, customized splashbacks can be tailored to complement any design aesthetic. By working closely with experienced glass suppliers near me, homeowners can bring their vision to life, selecting materials, colors, and patterns that align with their desired style.

One of the key advantages of customized splashbacks is their ability to protect walls from moisture, stains, and heat damage. In kitchens, where spills and splatters are commonplace, splashbacks provide a durable and easy-to-clean barrier that preserves the integrity of the walls. Similarly, in bathrooms, splashbacks shield the walls from water damage, ensuring longevity and maintaining the overall appearance of the space.

When it comes to material selection, glass stands out as a popular choice for customized splashbacks due to its versatility and aesthetic appeal. Glass splashbacks offer a sleek and contemporary look that complements a wide range of interior styles, from modern to transitional. Furthermore, glass is inherently durable and resistant to heat and moisture, making it an ideal option for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Working with reputable glass suppliers near me, homeowners can explore a variety of glass options, including clear, frosted, tinted, or custom-printed glass. Clear glass splashbacks create a seamless and minimalist look, allowing the beauty of the underlying wall to shine through. Frosted or tinted glass, on the other hand, provides privacy and diffuses light, adding a touch of elegance to the space. For those seeking a personalized touch, custom-printed glass splashbacks offer endless possibilities, allowing homeowners to showcase their creativity with bespoke designs and patterns.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, glass splashbacks offer practical benefits that contribute to the overall functionality of the home. Unlike traditional tile or stone splashbacks, which feature grout lines that can harbor bacteria and mold, glass splashbacks offer a smooth and non-porous surface that is easy to clean and maintain. With a simple wipe-down using a mild detergent and water, glass splashbacks can be kept looking pristine for years to come, eliminating the need for harsh chemical cleaners or intensive scrubbing.

Furthermore, glass splashbacks are resistant to heat, making them an ideal choice for installation behind stovetops and cooktops. Unlike other materials that may warp or discolor over time when exposed to high temperatures, glass splashbacks remain unaffected, providing a durable and long-lasting solution for kitchen backsplashes. This heat resistance not only protects the walls from damage but also ensures the safety of the surrounding environment, giving homeowners peace of mind during cooking and food preparation.

Another practical benefit of glass splashbacks is their ability to reflect light and create a sense of space in smaller rooms. In kitchens and bathrooms with limited natural light, glass splashbacks can help brighten the space by bouncing light around the room, creating a more open and inviting atmosphere. This is particularly beneficial in urban apartments or townhouses where space is at a premium, allowing homeowners to maximize the perceived size of the room without sacrificing style or functionality.

In conclusion, customized splashbacks offer a multitude of practical benefits that enhance the overall design and functionality of residential interiors. From their ability to protect walls from moisture and heat damage to their easy-to-clean surface and light-reflective properties, glass splashbacks are a versatile and stylish addition to any home. By collaborating with experienced glass suppliers near me, homeowners can bring their design vision to life and create personalized spaces that reflect their unique tastes and lifestyle preferences.

Mastering the Art of Social Media Branding: Strategies to Cultivate a Trusted Reputation Online

In today’s digital age, establishing a strong presence on social media is essential for businesses aiming to thrive in the competitive market. However, merely having a presence isn’t enough. Building a reputable brand on social media requires strategic planning, consistent effort, and a deep understanding of your target audience. In this article, we will delve into effective strategies that will help you master the art of social media branding and cultivate a trusted reputation online, with the assistance of a professional agency for social media marketing.

  1. Define Your Brand Identity: Before you can effectively promote your brand on social media, you need to clearly define your brand identity. What sets your brand apart from others? What values does it represent? Define your brand’s voice, tone, and visual aesthetics to ensure consistency across all platforms. Your agency for social media marketing can assist in crafting a cohesive brand identity that resonates with your target audience.
  2. Understand Your Audience: To engage your audience effectively, you must understand their preferences, interests, and pain points. Conduct thorough research to identify your target demographic’s demographics, behaviors, and online habits. Use this information to tailor your content and messaging to resonate with your audience on a deeper level. A professional agency specializing in social media marketing can conduct audience research and provide valuable insights into your target demographic.
  3. Create Compelling Content: Content is king in the realm of social media branding. Produce high-quality, engaging content that adds value to your audience’s lives. This could include informative blog posts, captivating visuals, entertaining videos, or interactive polls and quizzes. Experiment with different types of content to see what resonates best with your audience. Your social media marketing agency can help you develop a content strategy that aligns with your brand objectives and resonates with your target audience.
  4. Be Authentic and Transparent: Authenticity breeds trust on social media. Be genuine in your interactions with your audience and transparent about your brand values, products, and services. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business, highlight customer testimonials, and address any concerns or feedback openly. Building a reputation for authenticity will foster trust and loyalty among your followers.
  5. Engage Consistently: Social media is inherently social, so it’s crucial to engage with your audience regularly. Respond to comments, messages, and mentions promptly, and actively participate in conversations within your niche. Encourage user-generated content by running contests, featuring user testimonials, or sharing customer stories. Your social media marketing agency can help manage your online presence and ensure timely and meaningful interactions with your audience.
  6. Monitor Your Reputation: Monitor mentions of your brand across social media platforms and respond promptly to any mentions, reviews, or comments—both positive and negative. Addressing customer feedback and concerns promptly demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and helps mitigate any potential reputation risks. Your social media marketing agency can employ advanced monitoring tools to track brand mentions and sentiment across various channels.
  7. Measure and Adapt: Regularly assess the performance of your social media efforts using relevant metrics such as engagement, reach, and conversion rates. Analyze what content resonates most with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly. Experiment with different tactics and track the results to refine your approach over time. Your social media marketing agency can provide detailed analytics reports and insights to inform your decision-making process.

In conclusion, mastering the art of social media branding requires a strategic approach, consistent effort, and a commitment to building trust and authenticity with your audience. By defining your brand identity, understanding your audience, creating compelling content, and engaging consistently, you can cultivate a trusted reputation online and establish a strong presence on social media. With the assistance of a professional agency for social media marketing, you can leverage expert guidance and resources to optimize your brand’s social media strategy and achieve your business objectives.